Barbados has unveiled a structured hurricane plan to protect fishing vessels during the 2025 storm season, as part of ongoing efforts to restore the sector following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl nearly a year ago.
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy Chief Fisheries Officer Shelly-Ann Cox announced completion of a fishing vessel relocation plan, which designates secure docking locations for at-risk vessels during severe weather systems.
Noting that some 80 vessels damaged in the July 2024 system have already been repaired and relaunched, with another 50 still on land awaiting repairs, Cox said, “We’re working with the Coast Guard, Port St Charles, and other partners [including private marina operators] to make sure vessels have safe harbours if a system is approaching.”
Designated sites include Shallow Draught Marina, which can accommodate 70 boats; The Careenage, up to 40 depending on space; Port St Charles, for uninsured vessels; and Port Ferdinand, for insured boats.
Owners of smaller vessels are being urged to haul their boats out of the water altogether where possible.
The fisheries official further revealed that a five-day countdown system is in place, with prescribed actions leading up to a storm’s arrival and instructions for vessel return 24 to 36 hours after the all-clear is given.
The announcement comes as the Government ramps up recovery efforts within the fisheries sector.
Cox confirmed that about 260 vessels are now back in operation, though still below the 312 that were active prior to Beryl.
And with landings still down, the sport fishing fleet has stepped in to support fish supply to hotels and restaurants.
The haul-up process for flying fish vessels, also known as ice boats, has already begun as the season draws to a close.
Cox said more boat owners are expected to bring their vessels ashore by the end of the month.
She also highlighted the June 8 launch of a new boat named Cleverston, built post-Beryl and named after a father and son who share the middle name.
“It speaks to the resilience of the sector,” Cox said.
“We’re hoping we don’t face another catastrophic event like we did last July. Stakeholders are reflecting and quite concerned but we hope that we can comfort them with the fact we have systems in place to coordinate and make sure we can safely secure the vessels,” she added.
Other sector upgrades include the hiring of Barbados’ first national dockmaster in May and the ongoing development of a $54 million World Bank-funded breakwater at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex.
The Government had also extended financial support into early 2025 to fishers affected by Beryl, with them benefiting from business interruption grants.
Minister of Environment and National Beautification Adrian Forde, speaking at the briefing, said the Government had taken proactive steps to protect the sector ahead of the hurricane season, including contracting the dockmaster to oversee vessel haul-ups in bad weather.
The ministry is also using this period to highlight the role of the fishing industry as it celebrates Environment and Fisherfolk Month under the 2025 Barbados Fisherfolk Festival banner.
Events are being held at landing sites across the island, including research and outreach activities aimed at youth and women in the industry.
A research symposium is scheduled for June 18 and 19 at the Hilton Barbados Resort, followed by the Small Island Future Fest on June 20 and 21. Fisherwomen and vendors from the Voices of the Shore Theatre Collective are expected to take part in both events. (SM)
Environment & Fisherfolk Month 2025 – At a Glance
Key Events:
June 7 – Six Men’s Fisherfolk Day, 11 a.m.
June 11 – Weston Fisherfolk Day, 11 a.m.
June 14 – Consett Bay Funday, 12 p.m.
June 18–19 – Research Symposium, Hilton, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
June 20 – Sand Pit Fisherfolk Day
June 22 – Pile Bay Fisherfolk Day, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
June 27 – Fitts Village Dominoes Tournament
June 28 – Bridgetown Fun Run (6 a.m.) + Dolphin Competition
June 29 – Paynes Bay Beach Day, 10 a.m.
June 30 – Oistins Fisherfolk Day
Ongoing:
Harmony with Nature Art Exhibition
Gallery of Caribbean Art, Speightstown
Mon–Fri: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Sat: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The post Cox: Relocation plan for fishing vessels appeared first on Barbados Today.